Commemorates 25th anniversary of NJ SHARES assistance program.
The resolution recognizes the significant contributions of NJ SHARES in providing a safety net for families during financial crises. By offering a holistic approach to financial assistance, NJ SHARES has been instrumental in helping families achieve stability. It partners with more than 200 social service agencies throughout the state to maximize its outreach and effectiveness, thereby reinforcing the importance of community in addressing financial hardships.
SCR143 is a resolution that commemorates the 25th anniversary of New Jersey SHARES, Inc. (NJ SHARES), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1998. NJ SHARES provides crucial assistance to low- and moderate-income families in New Jersey, helping them with payments for essential services such as energy, telecommunications, and water. Over its 25 years of operation, NJ SHARES has reached over 211,000 households, awarding in excess of $89 million in grants.
While the resolution aims to honor the achievements of NJ SHARES, it also implicitly highlights ongoing discussions about the need for continuous financial support for vulnerable populations in New Jersey. There might be contention regarding resource allocation and the dependence of families on such assistance programs, particularly as economic challenges evolve. The resolution serves to remind legislators and the public alike of the importance of supporting such nonprofit entities in fostering community resilience.
A distinguishing feature of NJ SHARES is its multilingual assistance which enables broader access to its services for diverse households in New Jersey. This inclusivity, along with the fact that 80 percent of grant recipients are employed, challenges common misconceptions about recipients of financial aid. The involvement of NJ SHARES in raising public awareness regarding utility affordability issues is also noteworthy, having received awards for its innovative approach to community assistance.